Quote:
Originally Posted by Kumabjorn
There are no great mysteries, regular romances, pure literature, avengers, family dramas etc. Fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal seems to be genres that traditional publishing isn't serving well.
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Self-published ebooks are still an "alternative" publishing channel fed by what is not funneled to the traditional publishers. As such, they tend to boldly go where the mainstream won't.
Traditional publishers have pretty deep pipelines; it takes them 18-24 months to get a book out the door from the moment they *accept* it and they often build up queues 4 years long. Because of their big investments, they have to be very conservative and they don't have much room for experimentation these days. And when a new concept or style captures the masses' fancy, by the time the big publishers can respond, the fad just might be over. In the end, pig publishers don't often stray from well-trodden paths. (Think of Rowling's problems finding a home for the Potter series.)
With ebooks in general and self-published ebooks in particular there is room to experiment and when an experimental title proves successful, there is room to *quickly* copy.
(Like last year's Zombie and mash-up fads...)
Right now, a lot of self-published ebooks are inspired by, yes, Twilight, Hunger games, and the Zombie tropes. Look carefully, and you'll find the beginnings of a 50 shades or Wool wave. If somebody comes up with a great Sherlockian pastiche, we'll see consulting detectives right behind them. If I had to guess, I'd say we're due for a wave of superhero stories this fall, all inspired by Whedon's AVENGERS success.
Another reason why we're seeing more self-published genre ebooks is that the genres have always inspired more people to try their hand at writing. So many that most publishers stopped accepting unsolicited manuscripts. There have always been more stories (and more good stories) floating around than available publishing slots. (I don't think you'll find too many people who upon finishing FINNEGAN'S WAKE will be inspired to move on and write a novel in a similar vein.)
And, of course, it is easier to experiment in the genres than it is in the more "staid" categories that rely on prose and emotion more than idea and plot.
